KurdistanObserver.com

USA Rejects Military Operation in Northern Iraq (Southern Kurdistan)

By Suleyman Kurt
Nov11, 2005
Turkish Zaman

The United States denied Turkey's wish for a "military operation" in order to remove the terrorist organization Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) from northern Iraq (Southern Kurdistan).

Peter Flory, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy, said "This would not be good."

The Turkey-US high-level joint defense group was held in Ankara on Thursday after a two-year interval.

Flory who chaired the meeting on behalf of the US, said steps of "broader perspective" are being taken against the PKK.

The American diplomat answering the questions of reporters said, "It is difficult to say that the PKK will be totally eradicated." He also met with Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul and Gen. Isik Kosaner, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, who expressed his views on the military operation against PKK:

"This will not contribute to Iraq's stability. I don’t think this will solve the problem long-term. In order to solve the terrorism problem and reach a target wherein Iraq which does not threaten its neighbors, one must help Iraq to control its borders."

Concerning the offices opened by the PKK in Baghdad and Kirkuk, he said they must communicate to Iraqi officials the significance of the PKK as a serious threat.
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